IDOL defined: 1) An image used as an object of worship; 2) a false god; 3) one that is adored, often blindly or excessively; 4) something visible, but without substance.
It is astounding how so many people, Christians included, get caught up in idol worship. If we consider the definition above, there are so many things or people in this world that fit that description. Anything from ‘stars’ in the entertainment industry (e.g., movies, television, music) to sports icons to the medium they appear on itself (e.g., flat screen tv, iPhones, iPads, cell phones). Anything that replaces God in our hearts and minds is an idol and has become somewhat of a god to us.
It is a common problem. That which we can taste, see, touch and smell replaces that which is unseen and requires faith and trust to accept. The enemy of our soul has done a good job presenting to this world bright, shiny baubles that do things we couldn’t have even imagined as little as 25 yrs ago. Time with God has been unceremoniously replaced by watching Monday Night Football or the latest movies on HBO and you have to stay informed with current events so you simply must watch the news prior to your head hitting the pillow. The enemy has provided diversions which we have allowed to skew our priorities. And before anyone thinks I am doing finger pointing here, I want to make it clear, I am an offender as well. I would rather sit in the recliner and stare at the History Channel for hours rather than spend 5 minutes of quiet time with God.
It is a serious problem. However, I am not saying or even insinuating that all these things are intrinsicly bad … ANYTHING, from food to drink to computer time to watching the tube, done to excess, is harmful to a person. We must put things in their proper place. There is nothing wrong with watching Monday Night Football or your favorite team in the baseball playoffs as long as it doesn’t take the place of time with God. God misses spending time with us. We were created to worship Him and seek His face.
Don’t go and cut your cable or throw out your iPhone. Just temper what you do with God time. Justin Beiber never raised anyone from the dead and the Dallas Cowboys could never cast out demons from a possessed man. They have their place in this world, but they did not create this world. God deserves all praise and glory and honor now and forevermore. He gave so we could live. Jesus died so we didn’t have to. That has to be worth a lot more to us than being glued to Facebook 24/7 or Twittering our lives away with predictable trivialities. We need to balance out our lives. We need to understand what deserves top priority. In the end we have free will and can do as we please, however, Paul said it best when he said in 1 Corinthians the following, twice:
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV) “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV) “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!
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